Two events at East Central University on Nov. 18 [FRIDAY] will explore the world through international teas and desserts, entertainment by international students and an Alternative Christmas Market and Gift Fair.

The Alternative Gift Market provides sponsorships for projects around the world and the gift fair will sell crafts of artisans of Ten Thousand Villages from around the world.

Exotic teas and desserts will be prepared by ECU's International Student Connection Club and wiII be served from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Stanley Wagner Ballroom in the Memorial Student Union. Music and dance from around the world will also be featured on the program.

Tickets to sample the teas and desserts are $10 for general admission and $5 for ECU students with valid IDs and children 5 to 12 years old. Children under 5 years will be admitted free. Tickets are available at the ballroom on Friday or in advance from Jessika Bailey, director of the International Student Program, Room 152 in the Administration Building, 580-559-5669; Dr. Stanley Nnochirionye, sponsor of the International Student Connection Club, 580-559-5622, or Adisha Waghmarae, ISCC president, 580-399-0899. Proceeds will benefit ECU's international student scholarship fund and activities for international students.

Admission is free to the Alternative Christmas Market and Gift Fair which will be held from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. in the North Lounge of the Memorial Student Union. It includes charity gift-giving and sponsorships for projects from Alternative Gifts International and arti-sans' crafts from Ten Thousand Villages. Proceeds from both help impoverished people from around the world.

Ten Thousand Villages helps artisans around the world make a fair price on such arts and crafts as baskets, pottery, accessories and toys. The Alternative Gift Market offers ways to feed, offer health care, prevent diabetes and malaria and provide clean water to communities across the globe.

ECU's Office of International Student Programs is sponsoring the evening of tea and desserts along with Mazin’s Greek House, Cyprus Mediterranean Restaurant, Polo’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant, Rib Crib, Applebee’s and Chili’s. The First Presbyterian Church of Ada sponsors the Alternative Christmas Market and 10,000 Villages Gift Fair. For more information, contact the church at 580-332-3073.

East Central University's mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and communityinteract to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area,East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.